Oral and maxillofacial surgery brings together medical knowledge and dental skill to address problems that affect teeth, jaws, facial bones, and related soft tissues. This specialty covers a broad spectrum of care—from removing a troublesome tooth to reconstructing the jaw after trauma—and emphasizes both function and appearance. Patients receive treatment plans that balance clinical precision with practical goals: comfort, reliable healing, and a return to everyday life with improved oral health.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons diagnose and manage conditions that range from common to complex. Routine procedures include the extraction of erupted and impacted teeth, exposure of impacted teeth to aid orthodontic treatment, and surgical endodontic work such as apicoectomies. Surgeons also address acute issues like facial trauma and infections that require prompt operative care to protect function and prevent complications.
Beyond urgent care, this specialty treats structural and developmental problems: corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery to improve bite and facial balance, management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and interventions for obstructive sleep apnea when non-surgical options are insufficient. Surgeons also evaluate and remove suspicious oral lesions, working closely with pathology services to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.
Reconstructive and restorative procedures are another major area of focus. Bone grafting, sinus lifts, and pre-prosthetic surgery prepare the jaw for long-term solutions like dental implants and stable dentures. These interventions preserve jawbone health, improve prosthesis fit, and help restore the natural contours of the face after tooth loss or injury.
Tooth extractions vary from simple removal to more involved surgery for impacted or wisdom teeth. When a tooth is trapped beneath the gum or bone, the surgeon uses careful techniques to minimize trauma and promote predictable healing. For patients with recurrent pain, infection, or crowding caused by wisdom teeth, timely removal can prevent future dental problems.
Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring prosthetic crowns to titanium posts placed in the jawbone. Implants require sufficient bone support, and when bone is lacking, grafting procedures restore volume and strength. Sinus lifts raise the floor of the sinus in the upper jaw when needed, creating the necessary space for secure implant placement in the posterior maxilla.
Surgical endodontic procedures target persistent infections at the root tip that do not respond to conventional root canal therapy. By accessing the root tip surgically, the surgeon can remove diseased tissue and seal the root in a way that preserves the remainder of the tooth. These techniques offer an alternative to extraction when preservation is the best long-term option.
Preparation starts with a careful evaluation of medical and dental history, current medications, and any relevant imaging. This information guides the plan for the procedure and the safest anesthesia option. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are extensively trained in all levels of sedation and anesthesia and use protocols that prioritize patient safety and comfort throughout the surgical experience.
Anesthesia choices range from local anesthesia with nitrous oxide to conscious IV sedation and general anesthesia for more extensive procedures. The selected approach depends on the complexity of the surgery, patient anxiety, medical history, and the need for airway management. Throughout, the surgical team monitors vital signs and tailors medications to reduce discomfort and support smooth recovery.
Patients receive clear pre-operative instructions covering fasting, medication adjustments, and what to expect on the day of surgery. Understanding the process reduces anxiety and improves outcomes; the practice places emphasis on informed consent so patients know the rationale behind recommendations and the practical steps that promote safe healing.
Healing after oral surgery follows a predictable pattern, but individual needs vary. In the first 24–72 hours, patients can expect some swelling, mild bleeding, and discomfort that is manageable with prescribed medications and home care. Cold packs, rest, and a soft-food diet help control swelling and minimize strain on surgical sites while the body begins to repair tissues.
Oral hygiene is important but needs to be gentle in the immediate post-operative period. The surgeon will recommend techniques for rinsing, brushing, and avoiding disruption of sutures or grafts. Follow-up visits confirm that healing is progressing as planned, allow for suture removal when appropriate, and enable the team to address any concerns early to prevent delays in recovery.
Longer-term care may include staged steps such as adding implants after graft integration or coordinating with orthodontists and restorative dentists for comprehensive treatment. Clear timelines and realistic expectations are part of the care plan so patients understand milestones and can plan their return to normal activities with confidence.
At Northern Star Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery LLC, the approach blends surgical expertise with a focus on individualized care. Each surgeon brings advanced training and years of clinical experience, allowing the team to manage routine and complex cases with thoughtful judgment. Patients benefit from personalized treatment plans, direct access to an experienced surgeon, and continuity of care throughout the treatment journey.
The practice emphasizes modern technology and evidence-based techniques to improve precision and comfort. From three-dimensional imaging to refined grafting methods, these tools enhance diagnostic accuracy and operative planning. Equally important is the attention to patient comfort—careful anesthesia planning and a team trained in perioperative support help make the surgical experience as calm and predictable as possible.
Choosing a surgeon is about trust and clinical results. The office prioritizes clear communication, safety protocols, and collaborative care with referring dentists, orthodontists, and medical specialists. That combination ensures treatment plans are aligned with each patient’s functional goals and aesthetic preferences, supporting predictable outcomes and long-term oral health.
In summary, oral and maxillofacial surgery covers a wide range of procedures aimed at restoring function, relieving pain, and improving facial balance and oral health. If you have questions about a specific condition or would like to explore treatment options, please contact us for more information and to discuss how we can help.
Oral and maxillofacial surgery addresses conditions affecting the teeth, jaws, facial bones and related soft tissues, combining medical and dental expertise to restore function and appearance. Procedures range from routine extractions and management of infections to reconstructive work after trauma and complex corrective jaw surgery. The specialty also includes care for developmental and structural problems such as temporomandibular joint disorders and obstructive sleep apnea when surgical intervention is indicated.
Surgeons in this field coordinate with dentists, orthodontists and medical specialists to create treatment plans that balance clinical precision with practical goals like comfort and reliable healing. They perform diagnostic evaluations, order and interpret imaging, and manage surgical and non-surgical approaches based on each patient’s overall health and long-term needs. By focusing on both function and facial balance, oral and maxillofacial surgery aims to restore oral health and improve quality of life.
You should consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon when a condition requires surgical skill beyond routine dental procedures, such as impacted teeth, complex extractions, facial trauma, or bone grafting for implants. Surgeons receive advanced training in both medicine and dentistry, which equips them to manage medically complex patients and procedures that involve the jaws, airway or facial structures. If a tooth problem is associated with recurrent infection, significant bone loss, or anatomic challenges, referral to a specialist is commonly recommended.
General dentists often work with oral surgeons to provide coordinated care when surgical intervention will be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, such as for implant placement or orthognathic surgery. Early referral can prevent complications and streamline treatment timelines, particularly when multiple specialties must collaborate. When in doubt, ask your dentist for an evaluation or referral so you receive care tailored to the complexity of your case.
Anesthesia options for oral surgery include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, intravenous conscious sedation and general anesthesia, with the choice guided by the procedure’s complexity, patient anxiety and medical history. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to administer and monitor all these levels of sedation and anesthesia, and they follow established protocols to maintain airway control and hemodynamic stability during care. Before surgery, a thorough review of medications, health conditions and any prior anesthesia experiences helps the team select the safest approach.
Throughout the procedure, the surgical team continuously monitors vital signs and uses medications tailored to minimize side effects and support smooth recovery. Clear preoperative instructions about fasting and medication management further reduce risks and improve outcomes. After surgery, patients remain under observation until they meet recovery criteria, and postoperative instructions address pain control, activity levels and signs that warrant prompt follow-up.
Preparation begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes your medical and dental history, current medications and necessary imaging studies to plan the procedure precisely. Your surgeon will give specific instructions about fasting, which medications to continue or temporarily stop, and whether to arrange for transportation and postoperative care, depending on the anesthesia selected. Following these guidelines reduces complications and helps ensure the surgery proceeds as safely as possible.
It is also helpful to prepare your home for recovery by stocking soft foods, arranging a comfortable resting area and having any prescribed medications filled ahead of time. Ask your surgical team about what to expect immediately after the procedure, typical levels of swelling and pain, and emergency contact procedures for after-hours concerns. Clear communication and adherence to preoperative instructions contribute significantly to a predictable recovery.
Recovery from oral surgery commonly includes swelling, mild bleeding and discomfort in the first 24 to 72 hours, managed with cold packs, rest and prescribed or recommended medications. Patients are usually advised to follow a soft-food diet, avoid strenuous activity and practice gentle oral hygiene to protect surgical sites and sutures. The surgeon will provide specific instructions for rinsing, brushing and wound care to minimize infection risk and support healing.
Follow-up visits allow the team to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary and address any concerns early in the recovery process. Longer-term aftercare can include staged restorative steps, such as placing implants after a graft has integrated or coordinating with an orthodontist or restorative dentist for comprehensive treatment. If complications such as severe pain, persistent bleeding or signs of infection occur, contacting the surgical office promptly helps ensure timely intervention and a return to normal function.
Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring prosthetic crowns to titanium posts placed in the jawbone, restoring function and preserving adjacent tooth structure. Successful implant placement requires adequate bone volume and quality, and when jawbone is deficient, bone grafting or sinus lift procedures rebuild the foundation needed for long-term implant stability. These reconstructive techniques help restore facial contours and support prosthetic function over time.
Grafting materials vary and may include the patient’s own bone, donor bone or synthetic substitutes, chosen based on the defect and clinical goals. After grafting, a period of healing allows the graft to integrate with the native bone before implant placement is completed. Close coordination between the surgeon and restorative dentist ensures implants are placed and restored in a way that meets both functional and aesthetic objectives.
Impacted teeth are assessed with clinical examination and imaging to determine their position, relation to nearby nerves and teeth, and potential risks such as infection, cyst formation or damage to adjacent teeth. Treatment ranges from monitoring asymptomatic cases to surgical removal when impaction causes pain, recurrent infection or threatens long-term oral health. For many patients, timely extraction of problematic wisdom teeth prevents future complications and simplifies orthodontic or restorative planning.
When extraction is recommended, the surgeon uses techniques designed to minimize trauma and protect surrounding structures, and anesthesia is selected to match the patient’s needs and procedure complexity. Postoperative care includes pain management, instructions to control swelling and steps to promote uneventful healing. The surgical team provides clear guidance on what to expect and when to seek follow-up care if unusual symptoms arise.
Surgical endodontics, including apicoectomy, is indicated when root canal therapy does not resolve infection at the root tip or when conventional retreatment is not feasible. An apicoectomy removes the diseased tissue at the root end and seals the root tip to preserve the remainder of the tooth, offering an alternative to extraction when long-term retention is preferable. The procedure is performed under magnification with precise techniques to optimize outcomes and protect surrounding structures.
Patients chosen for surgical endodontics undergo careful evaluation to confirm that the tooth is a good candidate and to plan access and sealing of the root tip. Postoperative care emphasizes infection control, gentle oral hygiene and follow-up imaging when needed to confirm healing. In many cases, this approach can successfully resolve persistent root-tip pathology and maintain the function of the natural tooth.
Suspicious oral lesions are evaluated through a detailed clinical exam and imaging as appropriate, and when needed the surgeon performs a biopsy to obtain tissue for pathological analysis. Biopsies may be incisional (sampling a portion of the lesion) or excisional (removing the entire lesion) depending on size, appearance and clinical judgment. Pathology results guide diagnosis and the next steps in management, including surveillance, further surgery or referral for medical care when indicated.
The biopsy procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and is designed to minimize discomfort while ensuring adequate tissue sampling for accurate interpretation. After the procedure, patients receive wound-care instructions, information about expected healing and guidance on when results will be available. Collaboration with pathology services and referring providers helps ensure that diagnosis and follow-up are timely and coordinated.
Select a surgeon based on specialized training, clinical experience, and a practice that communicates clearly about diagnosis, treatment options and expected outcomes. Look for a team that collaborates with your dentist and other specialists, uses modern imaging and surgical techniques, and places emphasis on safety and patient comfort. Credentials, years in practice and a willingness to explain the rationale for recommended care are practical factors that help you choose a surgeon you can trust.
To schedule an evaluation, consider contacting Northern Star Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery LLC in St. Louis Park to discuss your concerns and arrange a consultation with a surgeon. During the visit you can review your medical history, have necessary imaging completed and receive a personalized treatment plan that outlines recommended steps and anticipated timelines. Clear communication and a collaborative approach help ensure your care aligns with functional goals and personal preferences.
